Location: Calgary, Alberta
Development Manager
Role Overview
A renewable energy company is seeking a Development Manager to lead the advancement of utility-scale renewable energy projects across Canada.
This role is central to the company’s strategy of acquiring, optimizing, and advancing projects to Ready-to-Build (RTB). The Development Manager will take ownership of projects from early-stage diligence through permitting, interconnection, and pre-construction, ensuring they are de-risked, financeable, and execution-ready.
In addition, the role will play a key part in project acquisition by leading the technical and development due diligence process, ensuring informed investment decisions and smooth transition into development.
The position requires a strong understanding of Alberta’s regulatory framework (AUC, AESO), combined with a highly commercial and execution-oriented mindset.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Development Leadership
- Lead development of solar, wind, and BESS projects from acquisition through RTB.
- Define and manage development strategy, schedules, and critical path.
- Drive projects to meet key milestones aligned with investment timelines.
2. Acquisition Due Diligence Leadership
- Lead the due diligence process during project acquisitions, focusing on development, permitting, and interconnection aspects.
- Assess:
- Permits and regulatory status
- Interconnection position and constraints
- Development risks, timelines, and costs to RTB
- Coordinate internal teams (legal, finance, engineering) and external advisors.
- Provide clear recommendations to support investment decisions and valuation.
- Ensure seamless handover from acquisition to development execution.
3. Permitting & Regulatory (AUC / AESO)
- Manage all regulatory processes, including:
- AUC applications and approvals
- AESO interconnection process and cluster participation
- Coordinate with consultants (e.g., environmental, engineering, permitting advisors).
- Identify regulatory risks early and implement mitigation strategies.
4. Interconnection & Grid Strategy
- Lead interconnection strategy, including:
- Coordination with AESO and transmission providers
- Management of GUOC requirements and timelines
- Optimize grid connection capacity and project configuration.
5. Land & Stakeholder Management
- Oversee land agreements (leases, easements, surface rights).
- Maintain relationships with:
- Landowners
- Municipalities
- Indigenous communities
- Ensure stakeholder alignment throughout development.
6. Technical Coordination
- Work closely with internal engineering and external consultants to:
- Develop site layouts and optimization
- Define technical scope for EPC
- Support early-stage design and cost estimates
- Ensure projects are designed to meet bankability and constructability standards.
7. Commercial & Acquisition Support
- Support acquisition due diligence, including:
- Review of permits, interconnection status, and development risks
- Identification of key value drivers and constraints
- Work with legal and finance teams on development-related inputs for transactions.
8. Budget & Schedule Management
- Prepare and manage development budgets.
- Track progress against timelines and proactively resolve delays.
- Ensure development costs and schedules are aligned with financial models.
9. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Legal (permitting, contracts)
- Finance (models, investment decisions)
- EPC team (handover to construction)
- Ensure smooth transition from development to execution (NTP readiness).
Candidate Profile
Experience
- 5–10+ years of experience in renewable energy development.
- Proven track record advancing projects to RTB in Canada (Alberta strongly preferred).
Technical & Regulatory Expertise
- Strong understanding of:
- AUC approval process
- AESO interconnection and cluster system
- Environmental and permitting requirements
- Experience with solar, wind, and/or energy storage projects.
Commercial Mindset
- Ability to evaluate project viability and prioritize high-value opportunities.
- Strong understanding of development economics and key value drivers.
- Comfortable working in a deal-driven, fast-paced environment.
Project Management Skills
- Strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proven ability to manage consultants and external stakeholders.
Communication & Leadership
- Strong stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work with international teams and senior leadership.
- Clear, concise communication with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Why Join
- Direct involvement in large-scale renewable energy acquisitions and developments.
- Opportunity to shape and build a growing North American platform.
- High level of autonomy and impact on project outcomes.
- Exposure to international capital and strategic decision-making.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Long-term career growth opportunity
- Comprehensive benefits package
Work Authorization Requirement
- This position is open only to candidates who are legally authorized to work in Canada.
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
